Cast
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Barbra Streisand
as Dolly Levi
Walter Matthau
as Horace Vandergelder
Michael Crawford
as Cornelius Hackl
Marianne McAndrew
as Irene Molloy
Danny Lockin
as Barnaby Tucker
E.J. Peaker
as Minnie Fay
Joyce Ames
as Ermengarde
Tommy Tune
as Ambrose Kemper
Judy Knaiz
as Gussie Granger
David Hurst
as Rudolph Reisenweber
Fritz Feld
as Rudolph's Assistant
Richard Collier
as Vandergelder's Barber
J. Pat O'Malley
as Policeman in Park
Louis Armstrong
as Orchestra Leader
David Ahdar
as Laborer (uncredited)
Crew
Director
- Gene Kelly
Writer
- Ernest Lehman
Producer
- Ernest Lehman
Reviews
CinemaSerf
Barbra Streisand and Walter Matthau make for quite a formidable team in this entertaining comedy drama about a marriage broker ("Dolly") who is engaged to find a bride for the wealthy "Horace". He is a bit cantankerous so she has her work cut out for her, but undeterred - she travels to Yonkers where she embroils his two clerks "Cornelius" (Michael Crawford) and "Barnaby" (Danny Lockin) in more affairs of the heart with "Minnie" (E.J. Peaker) and "Irene" (Marianne McAndrew) before a denouement that we all expected, but is nonetheless fun to watch. This film really all belongs to a star very much at the top of her game delivering some pithy lines whilst attired in crippling corsets and dancing in some uncomfortable looking lace-up boots. Directed by Gene Kelly so you would expect the ensemble dance numbers to be top drawer, and the they are - synchronised to within an inch of their lives, but always looking natural and flowing enthusiastically. Jerry Herman certainly does the business with the lyrics - "Put on Your Sunday Clothes"; "It Takes a Woman" and the Louis Armstrong assisted title song all make this a quickly paced and enjoyable romp through all things mischievous, Jewish and one that is at times almost bawdy. Matthau is a revelation - he really enters into the spirit of things and Michael Crawford (though never my favourite singer) demonstrates a nimble fleetness-of-foot that adds a charm to the proceedings too. I couldn't quite believe that 2½ hours flew by so quickly and if you are a fan of top-end musical theatre then you are in for a real treat.
Dec 25, 2022
Thematic Analysis
Hello, Dolly! represents a fascinating example of Music/Comedy/Romance cinema, offering viewers a unique perspective on the human experience and societal structures. The film's approach to its themes demonstrates a creative vision that distinguishes it within its genre.
Director Gene Kelly brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1969, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Hello, Dolly! took approximately 21 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $24.0 million, the film proved to be a financial success, earning back its investment and more.
- The final cut of the film runs for 148 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 171 minutes long.
- The screenplay went through 10 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
- The costume department created over 133 unique costume pieces for the production.
- The film contains approximately 1594 individual shots.
Historical Context
- In 1969, when this film was released:
- Social and cultural revolution was transforming Western societies.
- The Vietnam War was becoming increasingly controversial.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
While Hello, Dolly! shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Ladies in Lavender, which focuses more on action than character development, Hello, Dolly! subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Romy and Michele's High School Reunion and The Phantom of the Opera explore similar territory, Hello, Dolly! stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: December 12, 1969
- Runtime: 2h 28m
- Budget: $24,000,000
- Revenue: $33,208,099
Where to Watch
